Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed that the club are in talks with Pablo Hernandez over a new contract at Elland Road.

The Spaniard's current deal is up at the end of the season, meaning the 32-year-old would be able to walk away from the club in the summer if no fresh terms are agreed.

Reports have linked Hernandez with a move to Birmimgham City, who are now managed by his former boss at Swansea and Leeds, Garry Monk.

Hernandez has been a key player for Leeds this season, scoring seven goals and providing a further seven assists. He has impressed especially under Heckingbottom since the manager's arrival in February and Heckingbottom was quick to praise the playmaker.

"He's had a couple of injury issues which we've wanted him to get over because hes been one of the most important players for us on the pitch.

"He scored a great goal at Reading, he's been creative, he's a good example for the players. He's a quiet guy but he is a leader in how he conducts himself, how he trains, how he looks after himself, so he's someone who I'd love to keep, definitely.

"Pablo knows that now and I suppose that's the first part of trying to get something done."

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Heckingbottom also discussed what his role in negotiating Hernandez's potential new deal would be after the pair sat down to discuss his future.

"I've had a good chat with Pablo," Heckingbottom continued. "My job's to speak to him about the football, himself, how I see him, the value that I think he adds to the squad and capture his heart if you like.

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"Pablo's had a great career and there's more important things for Pablo than the finances. Contract length is one, but then there's other reasons. His role within the team, his role within the squad, the type of football we want to play, his affection for the club. He always speaks highly of the club, the fans, Elland Road and he wants to know the plans and what we want to do next season so there's Pablo's at the stage of his career where there's a lot more than just the contract on the table.

"He wants to be excited about the last few years of his career. Hopefully we can get him excited and keep him."